March 23, 2017
The Longines Golden Slipper Carnival will conclude this Saturday, 25 March with Legends Day at Rosehill Gardens and will feature the running of the Group 1 $1.5 million The BMW.
Racegoers can take advantage of free event transport which is included with all valid pre-purchased tickets and ATC Members cards to ensure a hassle free arrival and departure from Rosehill Gardens.
Following the success of the ATC Punters Club Challenge in spring, Rosehill Gardens will host the second running of this event this Saturday in the Grand Pavilion. Supported by industry partner TAB, the event invites groups of keen racing followers to form a team and compete against similar groups to win great prizes.
Hosted by Sky Racing’s Dave Carlson, participants will also hear from guest speakers including leading Victorian trainer Darren Weir, Luke Keary from the Sydney Roosters, Olympic Gold medallist Chloe Esposito, Western Sydney Wanderers Captain Dimas Delgado.
Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager Racing Services & Membership, James Heddo, said Saturday’s race day is a chance for Rosehill Gardens to celebrate the achievements of those excelling in their field both on and off the track.
“Legends Day will see the close of what has been a very successful three weeks at Rosehill Gardens,’’ said Mr Heddo.
“The day features two significant Group 1 races, only adding to the rich tapestry of sport in the Western Sydney community, and serving to highlight the great number of elite sporting events and personalities in the region.”
Nine starters, including six Group 1 winners, have accepted in the headline race of the day, the Group 1 $1.5 million The BMW, which has seen turf stars Makybe Diva (2005), Tie The Knot (1999 & 2000), Might and Power (1998) and Octagonal (1996 & 1997) grace the honour roll.
This year’s renewal has Ciaron Maher’s Caulfield Cup winner Jameka open as the $3.80 TAB Fixed Odds favourite in an open market.
The four-year-old raced wide in her last start to run a narrow second to Humidor.
Last start Australian Cup winner Humidor ($4.20 TAB Fixed Odds), from the Darren Weir stable, will also face the starter in the 2400m test. This will be the first time the son of Teofilo will race on the Rosehill Gardens surface.
Last start winner Our Ivanhowe ($3.90 TAB Fixed Odds) will be on the quick back up following his impressive 3.5 length victory in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes. The Lee and Anthony Freedman-trained seven-year-old will be looking for redemption following his tenth place in this race in 2016.
The Group 1 $500,000 Vinery Stud Stakes for three year old fillies will also feature on the nine-race card.
Foxplay from Waller Racing has been supported into $3.50 TAB Fixed Odds favouritism. The filly scored a brilliant win in the Phar Lap Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on 11 March, from the wide barrier 9. This will be the three-year-old’s first test over the 2000m.
Interest has also been shown for stablemate Dawn Wall ($6.00 TAB Fixed Odds), who boasts a career record of three wins from four starts including a Group 3 win in the Kembla Classic on 10 March.
Punters should dismiss New Zealand filly La Bella Diosa’s disappointing Coolmore Classic run, with a post-race veterinary examination revealing the filly to be coughing. Prior to this race, the New Zealand filly, trained by Mandy and Matt Brown, found a strong win at Royal Randwick in the Group 2 Surround Stakes, fresh after an 11 week spell.
Gates Open at 11.00am with the first race at 12.20pm.
Rosehill Gardens has free high-capacity WiFi across the racecourse precinct.
For all ticketing, hospitality, racing and general information visit theATC.com.au